Education partnership secures greater education choice for young adults in Worcestershire

A unique partnership between The Heart of Worcestershire College and National Star has exceeded all expectations in how it supports young adults with disabilities to learn new skills for adulthood.

As the two colleges celebrate the one-year anniversary of their joint provision student numbers have more than doubled, with fewer Worcestershire students now having to travel to Gloucestershire to benefit from National Star’s expertise.

Before the partnership was established many post-16 learners living in Worcestershire travelled up to 10 hours to National Star in Gloucestershire each week to access the specialist education and therapy that their Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) states they need to prepare for developing a life of independence.

When the partnership was launched in September 2024 four students were initially enrolled to learn with National Star at The Heart of Worcestershire College.

Now eleven young adults with disabilities are benefitting from this innovative partnership, made possible thanks to an initial grant and ongoing support from Worcestershire County Council. National Star College tutors, therapists, and care staff deliver the learning within the St Wulstan’s building, off Deansway, Worcester.

The space includes three classrooms, an accessible kitchen to learn life skills, a dedicated therapy space, an outdoor courtyard and access to two realistic independent flats for learners to prepare for life after college. Its central location enables students to access and learn in the college community and in the community of Worcestershire. The provision is already winning awards. In March 2025, the partnership won the collaboration award at the Natspec Awards.

Feedback from both students and families has been overwhelmingly positive.

When asked, one student said they had learnt how to speak for themselves for the first time. Another said they understood the importance of teamwork and why it is important. Several students reported they had learnt essential life skills for independence, becoming more confident cooking new meals.

The Heart of Worcestershire College Principal and Chief Executive Officer Michelle Dowse said: ‘This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two colleges come together with a shared purpose of delivering excellent education and nurturing the brilliance of every student.

‘By working together with National Star, we’ve been able to offer young adults in Worcestershire access to specialist education and support closer to home, giving them greater choice, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive in adulthood. We’ve created a provision that not only empowers learners but also delivers real impact for families across Worcestershire.’

National Star’s Chief Executive Lynette Barrett said: ‘Putting the needs of students and their families at the heart of this unique partnership is what has made it the success that it is today. Learners have all made considerable progress over the past 12 months and I am confident that they will all leave college with the skills needed for a life of growing independence.’

Prospective students with disabilities and their families can discover more about the provision, and whether it would meet their needs, by attending The Heart of Worcestershire College’s next open event on Wednesday 8 October, 5pm – 8pm.

Pre-register here.